The last few months have certified Jack Draper’s imperious growth, embellished by his resounding triumph in Indian Wells in the first Masters 1000 of the season. The improvements of the young English ace have affected all aspects of the game, including his physical shape, with the progressive reduction of the number of injuries that had been a dangerous constant in recent years.
Jack’s awareness of his means has definitely changed after reaching the semifinals at the 2024 US Open, when he realized that he really had the right skills to be able to compete with the best in the world to win the most prestigious titles.
Like many other champions before him, Draper failed to shine in Miami after lifting the trophy in California. He was eliminated immediately in Florida, but he had more time than expected to adapt to the red clay ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000.
This surface is certainly not ideal for the British star’s game, but the progresses he has made in recent months could make a difference as well as his improvements in mobility.
Draper wants to stay humble
Some fans and insiders have drawn a parallel between Draper and Nadal based on the fact that both are left-handed and have a forehand full of top-spin.
“To be compared to a legend like Rafa is unfair, I have to be honest” – confessed the world number 7 before his debut in Monte Carlo, where he will face Marcos Giron or Denis Shapovalov.
“Nadal is a legend of tennis and sport in general. He has won Roland Garros 14 times, a truly crazy feat. We have in common the fact that we are both left-handed and that we have a forehand full of top-spin, but I have to improve a lot in different areas of my game to be able to get closer to his level” – concluded Jack.
Everyone is curious to see if the Englishman will be able to repeat the performance of recent times on this surface as well, where rallies are longer and physical grip takes on a predominant role.
Tennis World USA